Used Car Checklists

2024 Cadillac XT5: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Cadillac XT52024
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
3
Crashes reported
1
1 injury
Reliability
Good
72/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2024 Cadillac XT5. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/8 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3

2

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

3

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Which XT5 is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Cadillac XT5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylAWD, FWD23–24 mpg
3.6L 6-cylAWD, FWD21 mpg
  • The 2024 Cadillac XT5 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A XT5 that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Cadillac XT5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Transmission6No crashes

    Sudden loss of motive power is the main pattern. The engine races, but the car stops accelerating or will not move, even at highway speed. Others describe delayed, erratic shifts in lower gears, lurching, and jerking into gear, sometimes with a warning light. Failures appear on nearly new cars and up to 23,000 miles. Dealers often call for a transmission replacement or rebuild, and several owners report tows and long waits for parts. One report also cites a forward collision system that failed to activate.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints XT5 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Transmission
Vehicle was shifting erratically and drastically delayed in the lower gears. Additionally, the vehicle was lurching and bucking. I was advised it may be the ring gear. The vehicle has 1034 miles.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2024

Transmission
The vehicle made a loud racing noise like a truck and won’t move forward. I was driving on a busy street. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off, then restarted several times The check transmission light finally came on. I called for a tow and it was taken to the dealership after several days, I was advised that some of the components to the transmission were put in the the vehicle incorrectly.

Filed with NHTSA, August 2024

How the 2024 compares with other XT5 years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2024 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 7 XT5 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2024 Average of other years
  • Transmission63

Where the 2024 fits in the XT5's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2024 is the first model year of the XT5's second generation (2024–2024). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that Cadillac fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.

Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.

Recalls to confirm (3)

Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 24V459000ElectricalJun 2024

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2024-2025 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The instrument panel may not illuminate when the hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment.".

    Risk: Without the illuminated reminder, the driver could fail to turn off the lights when no longer needed. Hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals that remain activated unintentionally can confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447940.

  2. 24V311000AirbagsMay 2024

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The driver's front air bag cushion may tear during deployment, resulting in the air bag not deploying as intended.

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N232439241.

  3. 23V681000Wipers and visibilityOct 2023

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.

    Risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232419690.

Also looking at these instead of a XT5?

Cars shoppers compare with the Cadillac XT5, with their own 2024 checklists.

2024 owner complaints, side by side